BUT, back to the simplest of summer projects:Before you sit down comfortably, get yourselfa donut shaped bead or large plumbing washer.Some 0.8mm wire, round and flat nosed pliers and some wire cutters ...NOW, are you sitting comfortably? ...Then, I'll begin:

For this 31mm ceramic donut bead, I usedaround 18" of wire.

(but you can calculate your own measurement, by wrapping a piece of string around your 'donut' bead to ascertainthe exact amount you will need). Thread one end of the wire through the centre hole of the bead, leaving a tail of approx. 2.5cms projecting. Wrap the rest of the wire around the bead frame, pulling and tightening it with your fingers as you wrap.

Continue wrapping the wire around the frame and on and around the 4th wrap, place a small 'figure of 8' link (or jump ring), so that it is suspended from the outer frame of the bead.

When you've wrapped the frame about 8 times, connect and secure one wire around the other, leaving the rest extending outwards from the top.

Create a small spiral with this extending wire, curling it back towards the central stem.

Fold the small spiral over and flatten it against the stem to hide the wrapped wires underneath. Create a double suspension link with the protruding wire at the top of the bead.

Position the ends of your flat nosed pliers directly on each individual wire on the surface of the bead and twist and 'tweak' to create a zig-zag bend. This will not only look decorative but will tighten the wires around the frame.

Continue twisting and tweaking all the radiating wireson both front and back of the donut bead until you aresatisfied with the result. You are now ready to makea 'tassel' or 'dangle cascade' to suspend from the base ...

Tuesday, 22 June 2010

I'm often being asked about whichbeading gadgets and tools I wouldrecommend ... and amongst the few,I'm very partial to the humble and totallysimple: Spiral Beadmaker or Coiling Gizmo.However, I would recommend thatyou unscrew the metal bracketfrom the wooden handle, screwit onto a piece of wood and securethe wooden base by way of aG-clamp to your work table.

(... you can also G-clamp thebracket directly to your tableedge if you're too lazy for theabove ...!)

I don't really need to explain how to use it, asthe instructions are self-explanatory, howevernot only is it fun to create curly 'caterpillar' beadsout of coloured wires, it is also an effective wayof making spacer beads and the larger handle isgreat for mass-producing JUMP RINGS - so ifyou like creating chain-maille jewellery it is anessential tool.

Thursday, 10 June 2010

Please have a look out for my latest book (numero 6)which will be on the shelves and hopefully within yourhands on 7th July 2010!

This book has a resourceful feel to it, with designer projects using everyday found objects, such as pebbles, bolts, plumbing washers, feathers, ribbons, buttons ... etc... as well as beads of course! In these times of cut-backs and financial chaos, we still need to create beautiful and fun jewellery to cheer ourselves up with, but for a fraction of the cost.

I am particularly fond of using BUTTONS in jewellery designs, from necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings and have found a fantastic supplier based in Nottingham (Jones & Co.), who has a great range of different styles and types. Take a look at:www.buttonsunlimited.co.uk

In my my latest book I show you how to make a "Vintage" Button Necklace, but of course you can supplement the buttons for beads if you so wish...

Even the simplest buttons can be incorporated into necklace designs, as long as they blend with the clothes that they're worn with ...

I made this necklace for my Mum (above) as she tends to wear clothes in these tones and colours quite a lot and she loves it, especially as the buttons came from her Mother's button box.

When my Mum's best friend saw her necklace, she also wanted one (!) and was specific about using white and blue colours to blend with her wardrobe. So here's the result - old white shirt buttons and whatever blue buttons I could find in my Grandmother's button box ... plus a few spacer beads thrown in for extra variety!

If you don't have access to an old button stash, there's plenty to choose from in haberdashery stores, especially in mother of pearl.

Pearly Queen Necklaces & Earrings

However, you needn't confine yourself to buttons, experiment with Shells, for a summery look!

Summer Seashell Lariat & Earrings

... and if none of these designs inspire you, how about using plain, old, everyday, plumbing washers (I've got a great new 'Washer Sundial Necklace' project in my new publication coming out this July!)

Washer Charm Bracelet, Necklace & Earrings

... and what's wrong with using boring old bolts? These 'Bolt Bangles' are fun to wear ... you'll find all the instructions to make them in my new book!

So take a look around you, maybe there are some every day components waiting to be incorporated into your new designs!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!ANNOUNCEMENT!! - I am looking to do an 'Artist Feature' on a Chain Maille wire artist, so if any of the Guild members specialise in this field, please contact me:linda.jones@wirejewellery.co.uk

or just contact me if you would like your work to be featured in a future blog!